Black Brothers and Sisters'': Please forgive us.

On the Remembrance Day, 11 November 2000, we acknowledge the wrongs done against your families.

We understand that the superior mind-set, attitudes and actions of our forefathers served to destroy the dignity of your grandparents who were powerless to oppose.

We understand that the emotional pain inflicted on the hearts of all black children subjected to separation from one or both parents has caused bitterness in your hearts for generations.

We understand that the rage passed from heart to heart of your men has crippled your community, which as a whole has failed to prosper.

We understand that the abuse of your women has undermined the establishing of a settled home life for many of your people as the ability to trust and rest in a personal security was often never established.

We acknowledge here and now that we are not better in any way than you. We are not more intelligent nor more capable than you are.

We have sinned and hereby confess our wrong including: 1. The buying and selling of your people as livestock. We are sorry. Please forgive us.

2. The emasculating of your men by rendering it impossible for them to protect and care for their families. We are sorry. Please forgive us.

3. The rape of your women and the taking of their children. We are sorry.

Please forgive us.

4. The continued segregation in society and treating you as second-class citizens after slavery ended. We are sorry. Please forgive us.

We understand that because of these unhealed spiritual wounds we have been unable and unwilling to move ahead together. We respectfully ask that you will consider our petition and, at some time, publicly grant us forgiveness.

YOUR WHITE "NEIGHBOUR''